“Build a Better World” offers session on building a small business to the public

Wednesday

Jun 7, 2017 at 8:11 AMJun 7, 2017 at 3:23 PM

Kiley Wellendorf - Staff Reporter

In efforts to kick start the adult Summer Reading Program, Library Director, Mary Murphy, brought in Lender Relations Specialist, Terry J. Case, from the U.S. Small Business Administration to speak on growing and building a small businesses. The event was free to the public and held at the Perry Public Library on Tuesday, June 6.

The presentation event was offered to the public, all of whom were provided with a packet of information detailing other resources that are available for beginning a business.

“We have people that participate in the summer reading program and then we have programs that coincide with the theme,” Library Director, Mary Murphy said.

Murphy was approached by Terry Case, a member of the U.S. Small Business Administration, in regards to providing the public with information they could utilize.

Case, a previous banker for 20 years, has since traded in his title to work as a Lender Relations Specialist. During his session, Case spoke on three elements that they stress to the public in terms of finding success in a personal project: capitol, counseling, and contracting.

There are multiple components that come with securing a loan, Case describes.

“There’s not very much security in a new loan,” Case said. “Providing a guarantee to the bank that assures the bank that if for some reason, your business fails or goes bad, they know they’re going to get their money back, therefore they’re much more willing to take a risk to take that loan.”

In his experience as a banker, honesty is the best way to ensure trust within your banker.

“Bankers can handle just about any problem you have, but the last thing that they hate more than anything at all is a surprise,” Case said. “If you’re having problems with your business and struggling, tell the banker right away.”

Attendees were told that in order to properly stay ahead of the game, a business plan is essential in ensuring all details are worked out.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is to get a good business plan and to work on the plan,” Case said. “It might take you months, it might take you a year to do it, but it’s very important to have a good business plan and take advantage of these resources.

In addition, Case spoke on the importance of reaching out and using organizations such as SCORE, all of whom are offered as a way to help assist in the process. SCORE, according to their website, gives free small business advice.

“I would highly recommend that you would go to somebody and even if you have it [a business plan] complete, have them check it over,” Case said.

“It’s free.”

The same program will be offered to the public in Spanish at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13.

“If you want to start a business, start with the free resources first,” Murphy said.